Take it one step at a time.
Check for any wishes first
Before booking anything, look for funeral wishes — these are often written in the will, in a prepaid funeral plan, or noted with a solicitor. Some people leave clear instructions about burial or cremation, a particular funeral director, or a service. Following known wishes can take a lot of pressure off the decision. If there's nothing written down, the person closest to them usually decides.
Decide burial or cremation
This is the main choice. Cremation is the more common option in the UK and is generally less expensive; burial costs more, largely because of the plot. A cremation with a service typically costs around £5,000, and a simple direct burial around £4,000 — but prices vary a lot by area and by how much you choose to include. A 'direct cremation' (no service, ashes returned afterwards) is the lowest-cost route, often well under £2,000.
Contact a funeral director (or arrange it yourself)
Most families use a funeral director, who handles collecting the person, paperwork, the coffin, and the ceremony. Ask two or three for a written quote so you can compare — by law they must give you a clear price list, and you do not have to take the most expensive option. You can also arrange a funeral yourself without a director, though most people prefer the support.
Understand how it's paid for
You generally do not have to pay out of your own pocket. Banks and building societies will usually release money directly from the person's account to settle the funeral bill before probate is granted — you give them the funeral invoice and a death certificate. A prepaid funeral plan, a payout from a life insurance policy, or money in a pension can also cover it. The funeral bill is treated as a first call on the estate, so it's paid back even before most debts.
Check whether you can get help with the cost
If you're arranging the funeral and you (or your partner) receive certain benefits — such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit — you may be able to claim a Funeral Expenses Payment from the government to cover some of the cost. There are also charitable and council schemes, and a 'public health funeral' arranged by the council if no one is able to take responsibility. You don't have to face the cost alone.
A short checklist for this step.
Free to use — nothing to sign up for. Work down it at your own pace.
- Look for funeral wishes in the will, a prepaid plan, or with a solicitor
- Decide between burial and cremation (and whether you want a service)
- Get written quotes from two or three funeral directors and compare
- Ask the bank to release funds from the estate to pay the funeral invoice
- Keep the itemised funeral bill — it's an estate expense and gets reimbursed
- If on certain benefits, check eligibility for a Funeral Expenses Payment
- Don't feel pressured to decide quickly — there's no legal deadline
Answered, plainly.
If you're the executor and unsure how the funeral, banks, and estate fit together, this is a calm, step-by-step pack that shows you exactly what to do first — and how to get the funeral paid from the estate without using your own money.
Executor's First HourInformational, not legal or financial advice. This guide covers England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland differ. Always confirm current rules and figures at GOV.UK before acting.